Ron Paul supporters pick up delegate seats at state Republican meetings, angle toward contested national convention in August

Ron Paul supporters wave their placards as Sen. John Thune, of South Dakota, speaks on behalf of Mitt Romney during the Colorado Republican State Assembly and Convention at the Ritchie Center, Saturday, April 14, 2012 in Denver. (AP Photo/The Denver Post, Craig F. Walker)

Though it might have seemed the Ron Paul campaign has veered from the national spotlight in recent weeks as Mitt Romney glides toward the Republican party nomination, news accounts this weekend show his supporters aren't planning to fade out silently - if at all.

Paul supporters around the country are plotting strategy for a fight for the nomination at the Republican National Convention in Tampa this August, even as Romney currently has 666 delegates of the necessary 1,144 delegates to win the nomination. Paul has 52.

According to the Post, Paul and Santorum supporters united to form a "Conservative Unity Slate" that took 13 of 18 winning delegates on Friday. Paul supporters took 13 slots of the 33 going to the national convention. Only one Paul supporter was elected to attend the RNC in 2008.

The Las Vegas Review-Journal also reported
that Paul delegates chosen county conventions across Nevada are planning a show of force at
the state GOP gathering next month, hoping to be elected as delegates
for August's national convention.

James Smack, acting chairman of the Nevada Republican Party, said though he thinks a contested convention is unlikely, Paul supporters will not go quietly.

"I think the odds of that are pretty long," Smack said, adding he will back whomever the Republicans end up choosing, including Romney. "I will wholeheartedly support the nominee without hesitation. And that's going to be different than some people who are just in it for Ron Paul."